Explaining Variation in Support for Ethnic Group Rights: The Role of Forced Displacement and Conflict Proximity

ABSTRACT Why do some members of an ethnic group support ethnic group rights while others do not? Drawing on social psychology, I argue that exposure to political violence shapes individual attitudes by deepening in‐group and out‐group distinctions and fostering expressive solidarity towards group rights. To test this argument, the study uses nationally representative survey data from Turkey, focusing on Kurds, combined with geo‐located conflict event data. The paper uses a novel approach to measuring support for ethnic rights using latent class analysis. The findings indicate strong correlations between forced displacement, exposure to political violence in conflict zones and support for group rights. The results show that Kurds who have experienced forced displacement and those residing in conflict zone regions are more likely to support ethnic group rights. Contributions are twofold. First, it highlights the role of geography and spatial proximity to conflict in shaping the varying demands for group rights. Second, it better conceptualizes individual support for ethnic causes.